Over the past decade, the culinary scene in Austin Texas has exploded with amazing new food trucks, restaurants and popups. New restaurants and bars fill the city and offer locals and visitors endless options for a great meal. Austin of course is known for insane BBQ, but that’s not the only good food that you can find. Tex-Mex, Seafood and Asian fusion are also some of the great choices that can be found across the city. As the food scene continues to grow it can be hard to make a decision on where the best place to eat is. I have created a list of my 15 favorite, trendy restaurants in the city.

1.) Red Ash Italia

This industrial Italian place is located in the center of downtown Austin and has some of the best Italian food you will ever have. In the mood for juicy meat or warm gnocchi… this is your place. Although it is on the expensive side, Red Ash also offers unbeatable happy hours from 4:30 to 6:30, Monday-Thursday with great prices on pasta and wine. This place is always packed (you will understand why after trying it) so make sure to make a reservation. Don’t leave without trying the crispy bread drenched in garlic butter.

2.) Sway

Trendy. Thai. Sway is located across the river in the south side of Austin, and serves up amazing Thai Cuisine. I recently visited Sway with a few friends and the meal blew us away. Cripsy chicken wings, spicy curry and mouthwatering bowls. The idea is to order a bunch of things, family style, and try a bit of everything. The outdoor patio offers great vibes so I highly suggest calling for a table out there.

3.) Grizzeldas

One word… Margaritas. Grizzeldas is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Austin, TX. Walking in feels like your walking into a real-life dream because the decor is fabulous. The food is spectacular and the drinks are even better. Get there before 6:30 on weekdays and they have great deals on all their best drinks. Be prepared to spend a little because the meal can get pricy, but it is worth it. For sure worth trying if you are visting or live in Austin. (The chips and guacamole is to die for)

4.) She’s Not Here

She’s not here is located in downtown Austin and has a great selection of cocktails as well as sushi rolls. They just added on a super trendy front patio which is great for outdoor cocktails with friends. Monday through Thursday, Sway also has a pretty good happy menu with 7 dollar cocktails and deals on food. Recently this has been one of my go-to spots and should not be overlooked in the Austin food scene.

5.) Carolines / Upstairs at Carolines

Upstairs at Caroline’s not only offers food and drinks but an experience. This is one of the trendiest spots in town and is great for day drinking. Upstairs there is a fun outdoor bar, filled with spots to hangout and play games while downstairs you can get quality food. Great on a sunny day aswell as a rainy day since they have covering over the rooftop patio. Don’t miss this great location.

6.) Emmer and Rye

This Rainey street gem is possibly one of my favorite restraunts of all time. Yes, it is that good. From the brunch time pastry cart, to savory dim sum, you simply cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. AND, not only is the food remarkable, but the interior is straight out of a catalog. The chef focuses on healthy food and tastes from around the world and brings them back to us in Austin. The food is served dim sum style, meaning carts come around and you can see and chose what you want (its like a real life yelp) If you are visiting austin and are in the mood for a tasteful meal, I would 100% recommend this spot.

7.) Loro

If you’re looking for a cool outdoor patio to have drinks with friends, I 100% recommend Loro. This restaurant is located down congress and has the best outdoor seating of any place in Austin. This “Asian smokehouse” offers great drinks and even better food. Although they are known for great meat, everything on the menu will impress. The atmosphere is fun and exciting, and is perfect to go grab drinks and hangout for a while.

8.) Joanns Austin

I mean seriously, who doesn’t love a classic diner meal? Down on south congress you will find a new poppin restaraunt that is designed as a local, neighborhood diner. Joanns Austin offers classic Tex-Mex food as well as healthy California style healthy plates. (I mean was this place desgined for me??) Have an afternoon drink at their poolside bar, and even catch great deals during happy hour (weekdays 4-6). Also, make sure to check out their instagram to find out about fun events they have going on.

9.) P6

LA meets New York meets Austin. This luxury rooftop lounge is the hottest new place in Austin, and is the definition of trendy. They offer great cocktails and Mediterain style small plates. Due to its prime location and river view, you are going to be paying a bit on the upper end. The place can get pretty busy so call and make a reservation before. (See if they will save you a spot outside)

Recommended Dishes: Tuna Crudo, Warm Gougères, Toasted Almond Mai Tai

Website: https://www.thelinehotel.com/austin/food-drink/#p6

Address: 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

10.) Arlo Gray

If you’re in the mood for a upscale, more intimate meal, Arlo Gray is all the rave in downtown Austin. The luxury menu offers a diverse drinks menu, with a huge wine selection. They are known to have a wonderful brunch set up, beautiful settings and a damn good burger. Along with the great food, the restaurant has some of the best lake views and is a perfect location for sunset.

Traveling to Spain anytime soon? Not only will the sites and the great weather amaze you, but you are in for an even bigger treat when it comes to food. Whether you are looking for a Michelin star restaurant or some cheap tapas, Barcelona has it all. Each region of Spain is known for its specialty of food, so don’t leave without trying it all. Here is a list of the top 8 foods that you must try in Spain.

Paella

No Spain vacation is complete without trying a fresh plate of paella. This rice and seafood dish is the number one food that Barcelona is known for and can be found at most major restaurants. They also offer chicken paella or strictly vegetables if you are a vegetarian! If you want to taste the best, here is a guide to the best Paella in Barcelona.

Tapas

When arriving in Spain, tapas and sangria should be the first meal you sit down to. If you don’t know what they are, tapas are small dishes of food that are typically served with drinks. They are the most common Spanish meal and can be found in every city across the country. The best way to get a real feel for Spain is to come hungry and order a lot! The plates are small and super cheap so make sure you order a few!

Patatas Bravas

This dish is very common in tapas bars and goes very well with a cold beer. Patatas bravas are cut up cubed potatoes that are baked in oil to give them the perfect crunch. They are then topped off with spicy tomato sauce. These are one of the most commonly ordered tapas, and you can taste why.

Jamón

Jamón is a classic piece of the Spanish diet. If you are unsure what this is, think prosciutto but half the price and just as good. This dish is served in every tapas bar and can be paired with bread, cheese or a piece of melon (my fav). Restaurants and stands also offer to-go cups of Jamón and cheese, so make sure to grab one as you explore the city.

Pa amb Tomaquet

Pa amb Tomaquet, a staple part of the Spanish diet. If you’re a fan of bruschetta, this is a good choice for you. You will find this in every restaurant as it is hands down one of the most popular foods in Spain. This dish varies a bit between restaurants but it consists of baked bread, tomatoes and olive oil. So yummy.

Tortilla De Patatas

These Spanish omelets are found all throughout Spain and are made from egg, potato, onion, garlic, and olive oil. They are many times served cold as an appetizer, but are even better when they are hot. It’s super delicious and is a must try. These can be found at most tapas restaurants!

Olive Oil

You have never really tasted olive oil until you come to Spain. This is pretty much used in every form of cooking but tastes even better with just a piece of bread. All throughout the city you can find stores that offer premium olive oil. This is personally one of my favorite foods in Barcelona and you absolutely cannot look it over.

Sangria

Your Spanish vacation doesn’t really begin until you order a pitcher or two of sangria. This sweet alcoholic beverage is filled with red wine and fruit and brandy… what could be better? Pretty much every restaurant will offer this drink, in many different forms too! Although it is not super common among locals, is it essential for people coming through.